Can’t a seller expect to get a much higher cash return from an auction house? According to Blackburn, the answer is often no. “The commission of an auction house like Sotheby’s could be 45% of the final transaction (that breaks down as 20% charged to the seller and 25% charged to the buyer, also known as “buyer’s premium”), while newer online auctions take about 12-22% in commission on most items.”

Blackburn says that sellers should also be aware that the buyers making bids at online jewelry auctions are mostly professional dealers — not members of the public looking to buy jewelry at a discount. The auction website thus becomes an extra “middle-man” and its commission an unnecessary cost, because it is simple to sell fine jewelry and watches directly to a qualified dealer.

Diamond Estate Jewelry Buyers, for example, eliminates this need for a “middle-man” and operates a profit margin smaller than the commissions levied by a traditional auction house. They have a network of individual collectors and retailers that allows them to make the highest possible cash offers — especially on items from luxury jewelers and watchmakers, such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Harry Winston, Piaget, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.

As a boutique jewelry buyer that specializes in important estate jewelry, large carat diamonds, and fine watches, rather than mass-market gold jewelry, Diamond Estate Jewelry Buyers deals with the same items every day that a prestigious auction house would, and has the same level of expertise.

“We certainly don’t discourage clients from using a traditional auction house if that is the best option for them,” says Blackburn. “Sometimes a client is fine with waiting 6 months for an auction to take place, and prepared to take the item back if their minimum sales price is not met. In those situations, we’ll advise them on the best auction house to use.”

To learn more about the services that Diamond Estate Jewelry Buyers offers sellers of important estate jewelry and watches, please visit DiamondEstate.com.

With buying locations throughout the United States, Diamond Estate Jewelry Buyers makes immediate and generous cash offers for your previously-owned diamond jewelry, high-brand jewelry & watches, large carat diamond engagement rings, antique jewelry, and precious colored gemstones. We love to meet new clients, learn about your unique items, share our knowledge with you, and help you make the right decision about selling your luxury gift assets.